REFRESH YOUR PALETTE IN THE CARIBBEAN

ST LUCIA

h

Art classes with Sakey run twice a week (right) and are free to guests staying at Anse Chastenet and its sister property Jade Mountain. See @sakeyproductions on Instagram for information on his murals around the island. Llewellyn Xavier’s studio in Cap Estate is open by appointment (llewellynxavier.com).

GUYANA

Several artists with Guyanese roots feature in Life Between Islands, including Frank Bowling whose colour-charged painting Kaieteurtoo was inspired by one of its top attractions, Kaieteur Falls. Wilderness Explorers can arrange trips to see this natural wonder, visit the rich collection of Guyanese art at the National Art Gallery in Georgetown, and fly inland to Rewa Eco-Lodge in the Rupununi where indigenous painter Victor Captain offers art workshops (wildernessexplorers.com).

THE BAHAMAS

The gateway island of New Providence has a thriving art scene spearheaded by the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas in Nassau. Its former chief curator, John Cox, now oversees the Current Gallery, a collection of 700 works by Bahamian artists on display at the Baha Mar resort complex. Here guests and visitors can do two-hour art classes such as acrylic pouring, landscape painting and making botanical prints (nagb.org.bs, thecurrent. bahamar.com). h ST MARTIN/ANGUILLA Dubbed the “Father of Caribbean Impressionism”, Sir Roland Richardson’s plein air paintings relish the bright light and vivid colours of the French-Dutch island of St Martin where he was born in 1944. Over 50 of his vibrant works are displayed in a dedicated gallery at Belmond La Samanna hotel (right) in Long Bay and when in residence the genial artist offers free talks and demonstrations. Combine your visit with a stay at Belmond Cap Juluca on Anguilla, a 30-minute ferry ride north, where curator Frank Costin exhibits work by talented islands-based artists such as Antoine Capon and Carmel Gumbs in its Maundays Gallery (rolandrichardson.com; belmond.com).

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Pottery has been made in the Caribbean for over 2,500 years and is still crafted on many islands using local clay. Born in Tortola, Karl Burnett offers visitors the chance to make a hands-on connection with this tradition at The Pottery Garden, his workshop studio in Josiah’s Bay. Classes include hand building and wheel throwing, and children from six years can take part. Works can then be glazed, fired and shipped home (thepotterygardenvi.com).

CURAÇAO

Willemstad, the World Heritage-listed capital of this Dutch island 40 miles north of Venezuela, is well known for its much-photographed gabled townhouses painted in ice-cream colours. The port also has a more edgy street art scene that is as much about social commentary as brightening up redundant buildings and boring car parks. Art Now Tours offers artist-led guided tours by foot or bike to see the vibrant murals in the neighbourhoods of Punda and Otrobanda (facebook. com/arttourscuracao).

WEST INDIES CRUISE

Art experiences are a key feature on the nine-island, 11-day West Indies Explorer itinerary offered by Viking Cruises. Sailing on a round trip from San Juan, highlights include a trip to the city’s Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, a scenic tour of Barbados with photographer Ronnie Carrington and a visit to the studio of Dominica’s best-known artist Earl Darius Etienne. From £2,990pp including flights, nine guided excursions and gratuities (vikingcruises.co.uk).